Rhode Island’s waterfalls are not towering, loud cascades, but that doesn’t make them any less beautiful. Stepstone Falls, which is actually a series of waterfalls in the Arcadia Management Area, is an absolutely gorgeous place where the falls happen to be natural, a rarity in the Ocean State. Plan a visit and see for yourself..
The Arcadia Management Area is Rhode Island’s largest recreational area, spanning over 14,000 acres.
The area is mostly forested, and it's perfect for fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, just to name a few.
To reach Stepstone Falls, you'll take a beautiful three mile trail next to a river.
The walk to the falls is almost as pleasant as the falls themselves.
You'll hear the waterfalls before you see them.
The falls create a gentle sound that transforms the hiking trail into a completely serene experience.
The falls drop 10 feet over a series of 100 feet.
They may not be massive in height, but they're perfectly peaceful. And the tallest drop, at three feet, is quite photogenic.
The water flows over a broad, flat ledge, which creates a long curtain-like appearance.
This is the perfect reward for a little hike through nature.
Rhode Island doesn't have the mountainous terrain the other states in New England do. The highest point of the state is only 812 feet above sea level.
With such a smooth landscape, it makes sense that Rhode Island has a limited number of natural waterfalls.
Stepstone Falls is beautiful, but the water flow will depend on the season.
The best time to see it is spring, but anytime after a rainfall is also ideal.
Interested in hearing the roaring sounds of this cascading waterfall? Check out this YouTube video by the Story of the Yawgoog Trails:
https://youtu.be/sEccLnwgkd8
Have you ever been to the stunning Stepstone Falls? If so, tell us about your experience in the comments below.
And if you’re searching for more fun outdoor adventures, here’s a previous article about hiking trails in Rhode Island that lead to fairytale footbridges.
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